Govt to help pay for Jassin's treatment

JAKARTA (JP): The government promised yesterday to help pay for the medical treatment of Hans Bague Jassin, one of the country's leading writers.

"The government will do its best to help finance Jassin," said Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono while visiting the 80-year-old in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.

Jassin, born in the North Sulawesi regency of Gorontalo on July 31, 1917, was admitted to the hospital on June 6 after lengthy treatment at St. Carolus Hospital.

After hearing Moerdiono's promise, Mrs. Jassin cried and thanked the government for its offer, Antara reported.

Moerdiono also promised to discuss Jassin's health with President Soeharto.

Doctors said that Jassin had had a stroke because of his age and high cholesterol.

Indonesia's "Literary Pope", as Jassin is nicknamed by admirers, can hardly speak and his left side is paralyzed.

His eyes opened when a doctor whispered to him that Moerdiono was visiting. "I'm Moerdiono and I wish you well," the minister said.

Doctors said they were working hard to try and make Jassin well enough to walk in three months and that they were playing recorded Islamic sermons to help him maintain contact with his surroundings. (pan)